Students on Site
Students are on-site at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum today, participating in our year-round programs focused on shipbuilding, environmental stewardship, and life skills.
Students are on-site at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum today, participating in our year-round programs focused on shipbuilding, environmental stewardship, and life skills.
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
Join us for our 6 Speaker Talk Series
1 of 6 November 5th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Harold Burnham (Burnham Boat Building)
2 of 6 November 14th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Walt Ansel (Mystic Seaport)
3 of 6 November 21st 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Warren Barker (IRYS)
4 of 6 December 12th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Carolyn Corbin (Schooner Tyrone)
5 of 6 December 14th 11am Builders without Borders talk with Soren Neilson (Viking Museum, Denmark)
6 of 6 December 17th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Graham McKay (Lowell's Boat Shop)
A warm thank you from your friends at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum
Santa & Mrs Claus arrive by boat at 5pm
Holiday Market in the Shipyard will be indoors at 28 MAIN ST (our HISTORIC 1835 SCHOOLHOUSE) & 66 MAIN ST ( our SHIPYARD Orientation Center).
Join us for our 6 Speaker Talk Series
1 of 6 November 5th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Harold Burnham (Burnham Boat Building, MA)
2 of 6 November 14th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Walt Ansel (Mystic Seaport, CT)
3 of 6 November 21st 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Warren Barker (IRYS, RI)
4 of 6 December 12th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Carolyn Corbin (Schooner Tyrone, ME)
5 of 6 December 14th 11am Builders without Borders talk with Soren Neilson (Viking Museum, Denmark)
6 of 6 December 17th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Graham McKay (Lowell's Boat Shop, MA)
Join us for our 6 Speaker Talk Series
1 of 6 November 5th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Harold Burnham (Burnham Boat Building, MA)
2 of 6 November 14th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Walt Ansel (Mystic Seaport, CT)
3 of 6 November 21st 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Warren Barker (IRYS, RI)
4 of 6 December 12th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Carolyn Corbin (Schooner Tyrone, ME)
5 of 6 December 14th 11am Builders without Borders talk with Soren Neilson (Viking Museum, Denmark)
6 of 6 December 17th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Graham McKay (Lowell's Boat Shop, MA)
Join us for our 6 Speaker Talk Series
1 of 6 November 5th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Harold Burnham (Burnham Boat Building, MA)
2 of 6 November 14th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Walt Ansel (Mystic Seaport, CT)
3 of 6 November 21st 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Warren Barker (IRYS, RI)
4 of 6 December 12th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Carolyn Corbin (Schooner Tyrone, ME)
5 of 6 December 14th 11am Builders without Borders talk with Soren Neilson (Viking Museum, Denmark)
6 of 6 December 17th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Graham McKay (Lowell's Boat Shop, MA)
Wishing everyone a joyful and peaceful holiday season! As we embrace the beauty of winter, may this time bring warmth, connection, and celebration, no matter how you choose to observe. Happy holidays from all of us at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum!
Join us for our 6 Speaker Talk Series
1 of 6 November 5th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Harold Burnham (Burnham Boat Building, MA)
2 of 6 November 14th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Walt Ansel (Mystic Seaport, CT)
3 of 6 November 21st 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Warren Barker (IRYS, RI)
4 of 6 December 12th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Carolyn Corbin (Schooner Tyrone, ME)
5 of 6 December 14th 11am Builders without Borders talk with Soren Neilson (Viking Museum, Denmark)
6 of 6 December 17th 7pm Builders without Borders talk with Graham McKay (Lowell's Boat Shop, MA)
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
Students are on-site at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum today, participating in our year-round programs focused on shipbuilding, environmental stewardship, and life skills.
Step Back in Time: 2024 Fall Fundraiser Speakeasy at the Essex Shipyard.
We’re excited to invite you to an unforgettable evening at the Essex Shipyard, where we’ll transform the space into a hidden, Prohibition-era speakeasy. Hidden barrooms will be waiting for you to explore, each offering a unique experience—from vibrant jazz lounges to cozy corners, there’s something to discover around every turn.
This event marks the start of our end-of-year fundraising campaign—a pivotal moment for us to secure the future of Essex’s rich maritime culture. Your investment is more than just a contribution. It’s a commitment to preserving centuries of shipbuilding craftsmanship, supporting hands-on educational programs, and ensuring the continued stewardship of the natural environment that shapes our coastal community. In recent years, we’ve experienced remarkable growth—expanding our programs, deepening community connections, and protecting more of our maritime heritage. With your support, we can continue this upward path, ensuring the legacy of Essex endures through innovative programs, stewardship efforts, and opportunities that inspire future generations of craftspeople and environmental stewards.
Tickets are limited, so be sure to secure yours soon!
Date: Saturday November 9th, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Essex Shipyard, Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum
Join us for a night of discovery and celebration, knowing that your investment helps carry Essex’s maritime heritage into the future.
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
1 of 6 November 5th 7pm Builders without Borders with Harold Burnham (Burnham Boat Building, MA)
2 of 6 November 14th 7pm Builders without Borders with Walt Ansel (Mystic Seaport, CT)
3 of 6 November 21st 7pm Builders without Borders with Warren Barker (IRYS, RI)
4 of 6 December 12th 7pm Builders without Borders with Carolyn Corbin (Schooner Tyrone, ME)
5 of 6 December 14th 11 am Builders without Borders with Soren Neilson (Viking Museum, Denmark)
6 of 6 December 17th 7pm Builders without Borders with Graham McKay (Lowell's Boat Shop, MA)
Students are on-site at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum today, participating in our year-round programs focused on shipbuilding, environmental stewardship, and life skills.
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
Halloween Happenings location is 28 MAIN ST, at our HISTORIC 1835 SCHOOLHOUSE & BURIAL GROUND
Students are on-site at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum today, participating in our year-round programs focused on shipbuilding, environmental stewardship, and life skills.
TWO WEEK COURSE (10 weekdays) - 9am -2pm
October 21 - 25 2024 and
October 28 - November 1 2024
Join expert builder, Jeff Lane for a 10 day course and take your very own boat home with you at the end of the session!
Discover the timeless art of boatbuilding with the Essex Salt Marsh Dory. Designed by the skilled craftsman Charles A. Burnham, this capable little boat is perfect for single-handed rowing. Its compact size allows for easy storage and transportation, fitting on top of a car with roof racks. Experience the joy of building and launching your own dory in our introductory course, where you'll learn the fundamentals of boatbuilding, woodworking techniques, and the use of modern epoxy for a lightweight construction. No prior experience is required, as all tools and materials will be provided. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, join us for this immersive 10-day course and take home your very own bespoke dory.
A capable little boat, the Essex Salt Marsh Dory is perfect for single handed rowing. Can be stacked compactly with others, fits on top of a car with some roof racks, and can be hauled in and out of the water easily by one person.
This course is an introduction to fundamentals of boatbuilding, woodworking, common materials and techniques. Students will also be introduced to modern epoxy techniques that make this light build possible.
No prior experience necessary, all tools and materials will be provided. Suitable for all skill levels. Children are welcome as long as they register and attend with a parent.
Although the Museum is alive all year long with students, volunteers, scholars, builders, workshops and events… We do give our docents a break during the winter while we refresh our exhibits.
Please check out our calendar for goings on - and subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know!
Engage in in-depth, hands-on workshops led by experienced museum staff at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum. This unique and enriching opportunity allows participants to expand existing skills or dive into a new trade. Our workshops are designed to provide an immersive experience where you can gain practical, tangible skills under the guidance of professionals deeply knowledgeable in their fields.
Access to Rare Resources, Hands-On Learning, Reviving Traditional Trades, Cultural and Historical Context, Networking Opportunities
$85 per person/day
- Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Focus: Ideal for aspiring woodworkers, builders, and artisans who want to deepen their understanding of log processing and craftsmanship. Emphasizing both traditional and modern methods, the course covers the selection of logs, safe operation of milling equipment, and techniques to maximize yield from imperfect logs.
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
Students are on-site at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum today, participating in our year-round programs focused on shipbuilding, environmental stewardship, and life skills.
TWO WEEK COURSE (10 weekdays) - 9am -2pm
October 21 - 25 2024 and
October 28 - November 1 2024
Join expert builder, Jeff Lane for a 10 day course and take your very own boat home with you at the end of the session!
Discover the timeless art of boatbuilding with the Essex Salt Marsh Dory. Designed by the skilled craftsman Charles A. Burnham, this capable little boat is perfect for single-handed rowing. Its compact size allows for easy storage and transportation, fitting on top of a car with roof racks. Experience the joy of building and launching your own dory in our introductory course, where you'll learn the fundamentals of boatbuilding, woodworking techniques, and the use of modern epoxy for a lightweight construction. No prior experience is required, as all tools and materials will be provided. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, join us for this immersive 10-day course and take home your very own bespoke dory.
A capable little boat, the Essex Salt Marsh Dory is perfect for single handed rowing. Can be stacked compactly with others, fits on top of a car with some roof racks, and can be hauled in and out of the water easily by one person.
This course is an introduction to fundamentals of boatbuilding, woodworking, common materials and techniques. Students will also be introduced to modern epoxy techniques that make this light build possible.
No prior experience necessary, all tools and materials will be provided. Suitable for all skill levels. Children are welcome as long as they register and attend with a parent.
Registration Required: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/tickets/salt-marsh-dory-class
Need more info: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/dory
Still need more details: email KD at kd@essexshipbuilding.org
Exhibits OPEN for 2024 Season May - October
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10a - 3p
Sunday 11a - 4p
Exhibits OPEN for 2024 Season May - October
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10a - 3p
Sunday 11a - 4p
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
Students are on-site at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum today, participating in our year-round programs focused on shipbuilding, environmental stewardship, and life skills.
In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum will be closed to recognize and reflect on the rich history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. We encourage everyone to take this time to learn, share, and honor the diverse traditions and stories of the Indigenous communities that have shaped our history. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Exhibits OPEN for 2024 Season May - October
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10a - 3p
Sunday 11a - 4p
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
Students are on-site at the Essex Historical Society and Shipbuilding Museum today, participating in our year-round programs focused on shipbuilding, environmental stewardship, and life skills.
EHSSM is lucky to have a dynamic team of over 50 volunteers.
To get involved you can apply here: https://www.essexshipbuilding.org/volunteer
Spar Making Workshop - Part 2/2
- Focus: Unclamping, cleaning and squaring surfaces, centerlines, tapers, use of power and hand tools, 8 siding layout and cutting, refining with hand tools to achieve a round spar.